With one fight left on ONE Championship deal, Bibiano Fernandes has 'decisions to make about my life'

Bibiano Fernandes has long been considered one of the world’s top bantamweights, and he could potentially become a very desirable free agent target.

The current ONE Championship bantamweight champion, “The Flash” said he’ll complete his current contract at this weekend’s ONE Championship 50 event, at which point he’ll have some important choices to make.

“After this fight, I’ll have some decisions to make about my life,” Fernandes told MMAjunkie in his native Portuguese. “I have one fight left on my contract. I have the option to move up in weight and face (featherweight) champion Marat Gafurov. It wouldn’t be a problem for me. As far as my future, I take it one step at a time. We’ll see.”

Fernandes is currently ranked No. 4 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA bantamweight rankings. Longevity has assisted his movement up the charts. The Brazilian-born fighter boasts an impressive 11-fight winning streak, and he’s an incredible 18-1 in his past 19 overall appearances.

“I’ve been undefeated for nearly six years,” Fernandes said. “Every athlete must understand his own level and understand the game, so I’ve been winning because I’m fully dedicated. From my dedication comes the improvements in striking, wrestling, jiu-jitsu, and of myself as a person.

“I seek to evolve in every facet of fighting. I train with Matt Hume, and with Demetrious Johnson, who helps me a lot with my standup. And I always get a lot of help in Canada too. I’m a professional athlete, plus I love what I do. I surpass myself, so I can surpass my opponents.”

Training alongside the UFC flyweight champ is certainly beneficial, and AMC Kickboxing & Pankration boss Hume is widely considered one of the greatest minds in the sport. But Fernandes said Canada is becoming a valuable resource for him, as well.

“I spent the first few weeks training in the U.S. at AMC, but I finished things out in Vancouver, Canada,” Fernandes said. “I train with Demetrious Johnson and with Jeremy Kennedy, who’s a great friend of mine. I’ve been having a great camp and doing my best to avoid any injuries.”

In fact, Canada has become such a part of Fernandes’ life that he recently gained citizenship in the country.

“It’s very important,” Fernandes said. “I’ve managed to adapt to a country that wasn’t my own. I’m thankful to Vancouver and to Canada. On the day of my citizenship ceremony, the judge told me that not only did I choose this country, but this country chose me.

“I’m a hard worker. I’m very happy to say that today I’m a Canadian citizen. Of course, I never forget my origin, which is in Brazil. But my wife and child are Canadian. I’m very thankful. I aim to give my best for Canada and be a good citizen. Canada is my home.”

On Friday, Fernandes (19-3) takes on the unheralded Reece McLaren (9-3) at ONE Championship 50, which takes place at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay, Manila, Philippines, and streams online via pay-per-view.

“He’s a good fighter,” Fernandes said. “He’s a young guy, very explosive. He has a good ground game and enjoys taking people down. He’s been defeating everyone, so he earned his shot. I respect ONE’s decision of booking him against me. He’s a good fighter, as is everyone else I’ve faced.

“I’ve watched his fights. I respect him, and I’m ready to put on a great fight. He might try to take me down. I don’t know what his strategy will be, but mine will be MMA. I do everything. I’ll look for the right moment. If I can submit him, great. Otherwise, we might go to decision. And that’s fine, too. As always, I’m giving my best when I fight. I always work to turn the tide in my favor.”

And if all goes as plans, Fernandes will have an interesting decision to make. at 36, he’s certainly approaching the end of an impressive career, but he could have one last run left in a major U.S. promotion, something hardcore fans have long anticipated.

Fernandes said he’ll certainly keep an open mind.

“I fight for myself, for my family, for my true friends, and for the people who believe in me,” Fernandes said.

On March 19, 2011, 23-year-old Jon Jones brutalized UFC light heavyweight champion “Shogun” Rua to become the youngest titleholder in UFC history. But for Jones, it was only the start of a wild ride that at times spun out of control.